Statement relating to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

The UK Government issued revised guidance about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools on Thursday 31 August. As a result, five areas at George Watson’s College where the presence of RAAC had been identified were put out of use with immediate effect pending a full intrusive survey of those areas.

Staff and pupils who work in the affected areas have been informed and alternative plans have been put in place to enable the School to remain fully open and for lessons to continue during this work. 

Some specialist lessons will take place in general classrooms or other spaces around the School, including meeting rooms and offices. These spaces have now been equipped for teaching and staff affected will ensure that the impact on learning and teaching is minimised. Temporary classrooms have been sourced and will arrive on site within the next few weeks.

At present the duration of the survey and any necessary remedial work is unknown, but pupils, parents and other members of the School community will be kept informed with regular briefings.

GWC Principal, Melvyn Roffe said:

"We have now confirmed that RAAC is present in the Senior School and Centre for Sport and all affected areas have been put out of use. I am grateful to colleagues who worked tirelessly over the weekend to put arrangements in place to ensure that the education of all our pupils can continue whilst we assess the condition of the RAAC and what needs to be done to render the affected areas safe for normal school use. As always, the safety of our pupils and staff is paramount but we will also ensure that any impact on the operation of the School and the experience of our pupils is minimised."

For further information, please refer to www.gwc.org.uk/RAAC or contact: RAAC@gwc.org.uk.